Process of Validating Ideas

Validating has always been an interesting discussion for business people. Because basically ideas are always an obstacle to making decisions. Either hesitate because they are not sure about the idea or fail because the idea is executed too early without careful calculation. Many success stories about how to explore the potential of ideas and also tips shared by business activists about validation.

In this validation series, I try write tips Eric Ries, author of The Lean Startup who is also a startup business activist.

Take advantage of views about user experience

As a businessman, insight and experience in the field to be involved can be very strong capital. With experience, insight and a shadow point of view the product or service you want to develop can be designed from the start.

For example, if you want to create a financial technology service about loans, providing a perfect user experience (from registering to become a member to applying for a loan) is mandatory. Or if what is being developed is a product that is in the education industry, then doing a design from the point of view of students, teachers or parents can be very helpful in giving an idea of ​​what kind of product will be developed.

It's more like pouring what's best for the user into the product design you want to achieve. Having personal experience is certainly an advantage.

Identifying Critical Assumptions

critical assumptions simply a fact or characteristic about the picture of the business being built. The more critical assumptions identified, the less risk there is. These assumptions will strengthen whether the product is worth developing or stop as a mere idea.

As a simple example, when we try to seize opportunities as education service providers that connect parents with students to monitor their children's learning activities, the assumptions that must be identified must be more complete. Not limited to the need to build it.

Also identify needs related to features, platforms used and most importantly whether parents or teachers are willing to spend their money to subscribe to the services built. Maybe they're just saying something they hope to get for free. Because finding ways to benefit from a product or service is also crucial.

Build an early version to validate critical assumptions

After successfully identifying critical assumption The next step that can be taken is to build an initial version of the product. This initial version is used to validate whether the identification in the previous stage is valid or just an assumption.

The initial version of this product is also the first step to separate what can be validated and what is only assumptions or thoughts that are not validated in the field. If you're at this stage and you're not a coding savvy, be prepared to find a team or invite acquaintances to join.

Launch and measure

After successfully building the initial product or commonly referred to as MVP (minimum viable product), you can introduce your product to the general public and see how they react. Of course, don't forget to open yourself up to all forms of criticism and input, from your potential targets or potential users. Start figuring out where the need for updating is located and also the possibility of setting a price. Always measure achievements such as the number of new registrants, page visits, those who return after installation to those who decide not to return.

Based on those numbers and any measurements made, take immediate action, either changing the user's direction and target or continuing with improvements.